The 8 types of keratin, and how they are used

A review of the different variants in which this protein used to care for hair is sold.

The term keratin is not unknown to a large part of today's society. The progressive increase in the importance given to body image and the influence of the media means that many of the names of different components and elements that form part of cosmetic and body hygiene products and of those products that improve the health of our skin or our hair are known. Keratin is one of them.

But there are a great variety of types of keratin and treatments derived from it, as we are going to see throughout this article.as we are going to see throughout this article.

What is keratin?

Keratin or keratin is a protein present in the organism of vertebrate animals (including ourselves). It is a protein highly rich in sulfur and fibrous structure, which is part of tissues such as the outer layer of skin, hair or nails.It forms part of tissues such as the outer layer of the skin, hair or nails and its main function is to protect epithelial cells from external damage.

That is why it is used as a component or as a product that favors the protection of the hair, being one of the most used and known treatments nowadays to strengthen and protect it. However, among the great variety of keratins that exist, some can be pernicious. some can be harmful, such as those containing formaldehyde.such as those containing formaldehyde. It should also be taken into account that in order for keratin hair treatments to be effective, it is advisable not to wash your hair until 48 hours after the application of keratin.

Two basic types of keratin

Although there are a large number of treatments and types of keratin that we can use in the treatment of hair, the truth is that we can find two basic types of this product depending on its main source. we can find two basic types of this product depending on its main source.

Alpha Keratin

Alpha keratin is the most common type of keratin and the one present in the hair, nails and horns of various animals, and it is usually used as a base for all hair treatments that use keratin. It contains cystine, which allows its application to generate rigidity and resistance. It allows hair straightening for up to four months.giving it a smooth appearance and eliminating curls.

Beta Keratin

Beta keratin is used in softer treatments than alpha keratin. It hardly contains any cysteine, which makes it less rigid than alpha keratin, but equally resistant. It can be extracted from materials such as spider web. It softens curls but is less durable than the previous one.. It does leave the hair more manageable.

Other types

Alpha and beta keratin are the main ones based on their source, but there are other types of keratin. These include the following:

1. hydrolyzed keratin

This type of keratin is characterized as being a good hair conditioner and restructuring agent.regenerating the damage of its outermost layers, moisturizing it and giving it a shiny appearance. It also has smoothing and cauterizing properties.

Keratin with formaldehyde

This type of keratin has the particularity that it can be harmful and damaging. can be harmful and damaging as it contains formaldehyde, which can degrade the hair or the scalp.capable of degrading the hair or even releasing gases that generate harmful effects on the health of the person who applies it or wears it.

3. Formaldehyde-free keratin

This is completely natural keratin, without formaldehyde or chemical components, which is usually made by processing keratin obtained from human or plant hair.

4. Chocolate keratin

Characterized by cocoa oil in its composition, this type of keratin repairs and smoothes the hair while adding weight to the hair. In addition, cocoa oil gives it a special smell and shine, natural antioxidants that protect the hair. that protect the hair.

5. Brazilian keratin straightening

Keratin treatment originating in Brazil, this is one of the most popular and well known. It is distinguished from other types of treatment by the fact that it removes up to 95% of the curls, being a treatment especially suitable for the complete straightening of the hair. It also provides protection and nourishment to the hair, giving it a shiny appearance.

The process begins with a thorough washing of the hair with soap to remove grease and dirt, and then drying it with a towel. After that, the product is applied and the hair is dried with a hair dryer. Afterwards, the hair is usually blow-dried and then straightened with a flat iron. straightened with a flat iron so that the heat fixes the keratin in the hair..

6. Japanese keratin straightening

A type of keratin-based treatment that is characterized by leaving the hair straight, shiny, smooth and strong. The curl is completely eliminatedOnly new hair can have curls. The effect wears off after a few weeks. The application procedure is the same as above.